MC to close 2 parking lots in Sec 17 to popularise multi-storey parking

MC panel to discuss closing Empire Store and Sahib Singh lots in city centre from Day 1 of multi-level parking launch

The distance from the new lot to the old parking spaces is around 500 metre. (Karun Sharma/HT)

With multi-level parking in Sector 17 set to be open to public from May 7, the municipal corporation has decided to close two of its prime parking lots — Sahib Singh and Empire Store — in the city centre. The multi-level parking has come up in place of Gurudev Parking lot. The distance from the new lot to the old parking spaces is around 500 metre.

The decision has been taken to ensure that people use the new facility, but shopkeepers adjoining the old lots have expressed resentment against the move. The issue is on the agenda of a Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) meeting scheduled on Friday (April 22).

“The parking lots will be closed as we want to ensure that people can enjoy themselves in Sector 17. We plan to hold people-centric special events at these lots. We also want people to use the multi-level parking,” said MC commissioner B Purusharta.

However, traders question the move claiming that the parking problem will not be solved by the ‘ill-advised move’ and it also hits their business.

“The parking lots that adjoin major shops in Sector 17 accommodate 1,110 vehicles. The multi-level parking can take 931 vehicles. How is this a solution to parking woes? It will also adversely impact our business. The MC should first try out the new parking for four months along with the existing system,” said Sanjeev Chadha, president, Progressive Traders Association, Sector 17.

“We have given a representation against the move to the MC as well as the administration as it will hit business as people would not prefer to walk to our showrooms. The lots could be closed till 11.30am to ensure that traders and government officials are forced to park at the multi-level parking,” said Neeraj Bajaj, president, Business Promotion Council, Sector 17, said.